BY JAMES K. WHITE | JUNE 2, 2010

Mullet Over

U.S. Congress wastes a lot of time

For you baseball fans: only one major league pitcher has recorded complete game shutouts in four different decades – Jamie Moyer.

An American company has plans to market a remote health lab device that uses $1 disposable plastic data cards. This equipment is capable of sending vital patient information via the airwaves to physicians, technicians, etc. The prototypes are currently being field tested in Rwanda.

Meanwhile GE is reviving and revising plans from a jet engine scheme proposed in 1983. A promising “inside-out” engine was tested but shelved because of the extremely loud noises emitted by the mechanism. Reshaping blades and increasing RPMs has engineers hoping for a product that will be quieter and at least 25 percent more fuel efficient than any jet engines currently available.

Some huge icebergs drift for decades before completely melting.

If typical, your tongue has 16 muscles. You can use these 16 to channel food to your esophagus or use the muscles to say things wise and unwise.

It is unlikely that you shall ever find yourself in an old fashioned Western gunfight, but if you do – consider making the first move. Some men (and women) have become fast-draw experts and are so proficient they can draw and accurately shoot before any normal person can react to move even one finger.

In 1921 the famous Henry Ford was promoting efforts to produce synthetic milk. He viewed the cow as an unsanitary inefficient animal and Ford had hated his boyhood experiences milking cows on his father’s farm.

There were horses native to the Americas thousands of years ago. For reasons not understood, the horses became locally extinct until they were reintroduced by Europeans in the 1500s.

Robert Moses was a bit of an oddity. He made a profession of drawing up plans for several of New York City’s streets, tunnels and bridges, but Robert never learned to drive a car.
The average lifespan of a hurricane is 9 days.

January 7th is National “I’m Not Going to Take It Anymore” Day. And some claim that the U.S. Congress wastes a lot of time on silly legislation.

There exists a breed of dog called foo. I am NOT making this up. The breed was long thought to be extinct (what a loss), but was recently rediscovered in China. The animal was purported to be the sacred dog of the mysterious Chinese tongs. Now you know.

God will find you

Father John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in Chicago, writes about a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy: “Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith.

“That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders. It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately filed Tommy under 'S' for strange. Very strange. More ...

Your Horoscope by Madame Bournard

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 19)
Emphasis is on attainable mental pursuits and correspondence. Things to work on: a more open mind and less of a “know it all” attitude.

GEMINI (MAY 21 –JUNE 20)
You may hear financial news. A romantic liaison may affect you this week. A friendship needs attention and perhaps repair.

CANCER (JUN 21 – JULY 22)
It is a good time to consider your options for vacation time. A creative and experimental approach to projects works in your favor.

LEO (JULY 23- SEPT. 22)
Figure out a way to profit from business or financial setbacks and see a return of “lost” money. Social contacts are important to you, so make sure you stay in touch with friends.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 –AUG 22)
Avoid clashes or disapproval with people around you this week. Mates may be a bit sensitive this week, so don’t be too overbearing on their psyche.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24- OCT.23)
Let others know your real beliefs and heed the views of others at the same time. Try to finish up on pressing obligations.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23- NOV. 21)
Try to restore your health and vitality. Avoid jumping to conclusions both at home and at work. Do something you most enjoy.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22- DEC. 21)
Emphasis is on partnership and teamwork this week. Avoid arguing with superiors. Stay positive, even though it is hard to do at times.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22- JAN 19)
Increased awareness of shortcomings is important to you. Try to overcome your weaknesses. Beware of deception around you.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20- FEB. 18)
You have a tendency to see what you want to see, not reality. Now is not the time to be a dreamer. Be careful with new purchases so you do not regret them.

PISCES (FEB. 19- MAR. 20)
It’s a good week for self-analysis. Be more focused. Be cautious when it comes to health and work. Pay close attention to the impression you make on others.

Mark Your Calendar

Ongoing:
• Scottsdale reads this summer! Get ready, get set…..read! The library’s most popular program, Summer Reading, is back. Our ‘Scottsdale Reads’ program includes something for babies, youth, teens and adults. Stop by any Scottsdale Library Branch to get signed up, and become eligible for terrific prizes. For more information on the reading program or the Scottsdale Public Library, visit: scottsdalelibrary.org.

Friday, June 4:
• 7 a.m. Cacti of Spur Cross. Easy. Spur Cross is home to thirteen different species of cacti. Join interpretive ranger Kevin Smith for a look at some of the cacti found along the Spur Cross and Metate Trails. Bring your camera because many of them are sure to be flowering at this time. $3 per adult; kids under 16 free. 44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek Information: 480-488-6623 or www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross.

Saturday, June 5:
• 7 a.m. Rock Art of Spur Cross. Moderate. The petrogyphs found in Spur Cross were created hundreds of years ago by the Hohokam people. Come and walk in their footsteps as we visit a few of the more impressive sites in the park during this moderate two-hour hike. $3 per adult; kids under 16 free. 44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek Information: 480-488-6623 or www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross.
• 10 a.m. Reptile Feeding at Cave Creek. Join the staff after your morning hike and see how our cold-blooded residents eat their monthly meals for yourself! Frozen rodent entrees will be served to the critters. Come learn about the important roles these creatures play in our dynamic food web. Feeding takes place at the Nature Center. 37019 N. Lava Lane, Cave Creek. $6 park entry fee; program free. Information: 623-465-0431 or www.maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek.

Sunday, June 6:
• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s free concert series. Free concerts! McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park hosts its free Concert Series Sunday evenings, 7:30 to 9 p.m. through July 4. Bring a blanket or chair, and hear a variety of favorite local bands. The park is on the southeast corner of Indian Bend and Scottsdale roads. Call 480-312-2312 to find out who’s playing when.

Friday, June 11:
• 7 a.m. Ruins of Spur Cross. Moderate 2.5 mile hike that will introduce you to the rich archaeological history of the area. See evidence of prehistoric Hohokam dwellings and learn about their culture as we trek on up to one of their mesa compounds. $3 per adult; kids under 16 free. 44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek Information: 480-488-6623 or www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross.

Saturday, June 12:
• Biggest Best Dang Birthday Bash at the Silver Spur Saloon and Eatery for Sheriff Joe Arpiao in support of J.D. Hayworth. Gate opens at 5 p.m., Band plays from 6 – 12 a.m. Cake Cutting at 7 p.m. Meet and Join J.D. and Joe for an All-American Picnic. Adult tickets: in advance $30, at the door $35. Tickets for children 9 – 12 $12. Children 8 and younger free. 6245 E. Cave Creek Road. Call 480-488-3317 for more information.

Saturday, June 19:
• Mighty Mud Mania. Get down and dirty at the 35th annual Mighty Mud Mania, the original mud obstacle course for youth ages 1 through 17! For the second year in a row, Henkel, makers of Purex, Renuzit, Right Guard and Dial is the magnificently muddy title sponsor. The mini-mud course, “Mudville,” and sand castle building will be available for those 6 and younger. Older kids will enjoy waterslides, water cannons and the original mud obstacle course. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chaparral Park, 5401 N. Hayden Road. Admission is free, but we’d appreciate the donation of a non-perishable food item. Also, Chaparral Pool will be open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for only a dollar for those wearing clean swimsuits! Call 480-312-2704 or 480-312-0217, or e-mail terickson@ScottsdaleAZ.gov for all the dirty details. Special thanks to our additional Sponsors: Clif Kid, Cricket Wireless, SRP, Universal Fog Misting Systems, Arizona Tooth Doctor for Kids.